Crime Stoppers implements anonymous hotline
Katie Woodson
Issue date: 11/19/08 Section: News
The McDonough County Police Department's Crime Stoppers unit has a new way to get students involved in catching criminals.
Crime Stoppers is an anonymous non-profit hotline to leave information about wanted criminals. The program puts wanted people on their Web site every day, asking community members if they have any information about the person.
"I think it is a good program because you would be able to help law enforcement, and by being anonymous it would allow more people to come forward without worrying about retaliation," said Stephanie Grace, senior law enforcement and justice administration major.
The Crime Stoppers program has been a success nationwide. Adam Cremer, deputy sheriff and police coordinator for Crime Stoppers, believes that it is an important program.
"I think (the program is) important because people are afraid to come forward," Cremer said. "People have information about a crime, but they're afraid to come forward for fear of revenge from family members or friends. I think having them be anonymous helps."
Crime Stoppers in Macomb has been around for 15 years and has been very successful in catching fugitives. Not only does Crime Stoppers feature wanted criminals in Macomb, but also criminals in the surrounding areas. The people that are featured range from reckless drivers to escapees.
If you see someone featured on the wanted list, you can contact the police department through Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers does not ask for your name or phone number. If you have information about a criminal you can go to their Web site at www.macombareacrimestoppers.com or call them at 309/836-3222. If your tip leads to an arrest or you have other information the police need, you can receive a reward of up to $1,000.
Crime Stoppers is an anonymous non-profit hotline to leave information about wanted criminals. The program puts wanted people on their Web site every day, asking community members if they have any information about the person.
"I think it is a good program because you would be able to help law enforcement, and by being anonymous it would allow more people to come forward without worrying about retaliation," said Stephanie Grace, senior law enforcement and justice administration major.
The Crime Stoppers program has been a success nationwide. Adam Cremer, deputy sheriff and police coordinator for Crime Stoppers, believes that it is an important program.
"I think (the program is) important because people are afraid to come forward," Cremer said. "People have information about a crime, but they're afraid to come forward for fear of revenge from family members or friends. I think having them be anonymous helps."
Crime Stoppers in Macomb has been around for 15 years and has been very successful in catching fugitives. Not only does Crime Stoppers feature wanted criminals in Macomb, but also criminals in the surrounding areas. The people that are featured range from reckless drivers to escapees.
If you see someone featured on the wanted list, you can contact the police department through Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers does not ask for your name or phone number. If you have information about a criminal you can go to their Web site at www.macombareacrimestoppers.com or call them at 309/836-3222. If your tip leads to an arrest or you have other information the police need, you can receive a reward of up to $1,000.
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